I have been looking for a suitable cheap Escort donor but can't find one, but a friend has just offered me a HC Viva complete and running with a very unlively but sound drivetrain. Got me a thinking wishbone front, live rear,roughly Escort sized, easier to reg cause complete vehicle not various parts.
I know that mods will be needed to suspension and the like but what do you think can anybody see a drawback that i've overlooked (apart from it ain't a Ford )
Also the cars Tax exempt do i keep this or loose it when turned into a Locost.

there's a kit car over here, which is a replica of an MG TF

http://www.sportscars.co.nz/tcar.html

"The suspension and running gear used is all General Motors HC Viva or Torana front and rear suspension. "

So I'd say: yep.

Might still have to pick up some other parts (e.g. cortina hubs??)

- Greg H

Id take it mate.. But keep it simple and use sierra or cortina front hubs.. I thought about using something like that.. (actually a chevette). I think the rear axle is similar dimensions to the escort...

Not sure of tax. Maybe if you classed it as a re-shelled viva u might be able to keep it..

Somebody a couple of years ago built one using a HA van and used the front hubs and everything from the donor. If the HC uses the right type,not McPherson, you should get away with using them as long as you get balljoints to fit it. If you use cortina fronts you will have two different PCDs.

yours, Pete.

peteff
> If the HC uses the right type,not McPherson, you should get away with using them as long as you get balljoints to fit it.

Looking at my chevette, which I'd guess'd be the same, it doesn't use a mcpherson strut,
BUT
The steering knuckle from the hub is real low - about the same height as the bottom ball joint.
The trouble with that is that you'll either have to put your steering rack through the bottom rail, or you'll get a bunch of bump steer. (or maybe you could modify the steering knuckle to make the tie rod go in from the top.

(Well, I think that's the case, anyway).

- Greg H